Items were based on the Malaysian science curriculum for primary schools. Items of integrated SPS selected for
testing are those associated with planning investigations. They include formulating hypotheses, identifying and
controlling variables, operationally defining variable, interpreting data as well as design suitable experiment.
Besides assessing application of integrated SPS, answering test items also required conceptual understanding of
science content as well. The construct being measured is confounded by knowledge of science content. An initial
draft of the TISP consisted of 30 multiple-choice items. Multiple opportunities were provided to demonstrate
competency for each process. The test was to be suitable for group administration within 40 minutes. As such,
response format, reading level, and item context were important consideration. For the purpose of content
validation, two experts reviewed the initial test draft. The numbers of item for each component of integrated SPS are
listed in Table 1.